I am attending Brenda Aloff's clinic the 2nd weekend in October, and it is required that people have muzzles for their aggressive dogs. I explained that Inara is only dog-reactive but great with people, and here was the response:

I got your note about the muzzle. I understand your dog is not human aggressive but is dog reactive. It is our intent to give each dog owner room in the training center for the dog crates (and a cover really helps) but you will be interactive with others on the training floor and perhaps outside potty breaks. It is certainly our intent not to allow dogs to interact – however if one were to get loose… it would be best if you brought a muzzle with you and see if it warrants wearing it when on the floor working with the others. I think you will really enjoy working with Brenda – she will give you some tips on how to calm your dog and keep her focused when she would rather be reactive.

Inara's never worn a muzzle before but I can totally understand their concerns. They don't know me or my dog and don't know if I can be trusted to handle my dog. Fair enough. But I hate having to buy a muzzle we'll probably not need, but it's necessary. Can you buy basket muzzles in stores or am I going to have to order it and do expedited shipping? Or, does somebody have one that we could borrow? Inara's nose is 2 1/2" long and 9 1/2" around (I measured from a half-inch away from the eyes). Obviously I would pay for shipping.

Thanks!

"Remember - every time your dog gets somewhere on a tight leash *a fairy dies and it's all your fault.* Think of the fairies." http://www.positivepetzine.com"

Thanks for the thought! I'm in a super hurry to find one so I can at least kind of get Inara used to it, just in case. I can't imagine she'll need it (I have the reflexes of a super-hero when it comes to keeping other dogs away from her), but who knows what kind of people will be at the clinic.

"Remember - every time your dog gets somewhere on a tight leash *a fairy dies and it's all your fault.* Think of the fairies." http://www.positivepetzine.com"

pitbullmamaliz wrote:Thanks for the thought! I'm in a super hurry to find one so I can at least kind of get Inara used to it, just in case. I can't imagine she'll need it (I have the reflexes of a super-hero when it comes to keeping other dogs away from her), but who knows what kind of people will be at the clinic.

I'm always amazed at the idiots that attend clinics...I guess I always assume that if you are attending one, you have a clue of some sort...but that's not always the case.

I'll go measure Inara's tomorrow...it's in the car, and I'm lazy...just in case it might fit.

, worse comes to worse, you can borrow mine and show everyone that you at least HAVE a muzzle...then plead stupidity..."Oh, I didn't know it didn't fit!"

Last edited by TheRedQueen on September 23rd, 2008, 9:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.

"I don't have any idea if my dogs respect me or not, but they're greedy and I have their stuff." -- Patty Ruzzo

"Dogs don't want to control people. They want to control their own lives." --John Bradshaw

I have never seen a plastic basket muzzle in stores. I would suggest either contacting your nearest Greyhound racing kennel or track and asking them about it, or contacting your nearest Greyhound rescue. Most Greys go to their new homes with a plastic basket muzzle, so most rescues have them on hand, and perhaps they could let you borrow one until after the seminar.

Even though they're made for pointy nosed dogs, I've found that females with smaller muzzles almost fit in them, no prob.

"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another." -Anatole France

pitbullmamaliz wrote:I actually just ended up ordering a plastic basket muzzle for $6.

Thanks though!

Is it a Jafco? I was going to reccommend one.

Demo Dick

"My first priority will be to reinstate the assault weapons ban PERMANENTLY as soon as I take office...I intend to work with Congress on a national no carry law, 1 gun a month purchase limits, and bans on all semi-automatic guns."-Barack Obama"When in doubt, whip it out."-Nuge

No, it's some el cheapo one from Jeffers Pet. I really didn't want to spend much money on it as Inara really doesn't NEED it. If she were truly dangerous I absolutely would, but she's just an ass sometimes. I think she mainly just talks poop.

"Remember - every time your dog gets somewhere on a tight leash *a fairy dies and it's all your fault.* Think of the fairies." http://www.positivepetzine.com"